The city of Durham, North Carolina is buzzing with energy. From its spectacular food scene and slew of local businesses to its top-notch startup culture and abundance of recreational trails, it has everything you’d want in a hometown. The Bull City is an amazing place to call home thanks to the caring community and thriving downtown.
With plenty of things to do in Durham, you’ll be close to activities wherever you land, but today I’m sharing the best neighborhoods in Durham, NC. Continue reading to learn where to live in Durham, NC and what you can expect from this lovely city.
Best Neighborhoods in Durham, NC for Families
If you’re moving to North Carolina with your family and wondering where to live in Durham, I’ve got you covered. Read on to learn about some of the safest neighborhoods in Durham, NC ideal for families.
Hope Valley
Located southwest of downtown Durham, Hope Valley is a calm and quiet suburban neighborhood perfect for growing families. Residents say it's a very dog-friendly area with ample green space. There are several great schools in the area along with easy access to Highway 501 for easy commutes to work for parents. Hope Valley Country Club is also a draw to this neighborhood as it features one of the best golf courses in Durham.
There is diversity in the housing market with prices ranging from the upper 200s to the high 700s. Two-story homes are popular but there are plenty of ranch styles in the area, too. Overall, Hope Valley is one of the best neighborhoods in Durham, NC for families.
Brightleaf at the Park
This next neighborhood is one of the safest neighborhoods in Durham, NC. Brightleaf at the Park is consistently ranked as one of the most popular neighborhoods to live in the entire country. The community was designed with families in mind and includes family-friendly amenities such as a kiddie pool and waterslides at the Brightleaf Club, a spacious playground, and summer youth tennis camps.
The neighborhood promotes an active lifestyle with various nature trails to explore. There are public sculptures adorning the greenspaces from art students in the area that bring art to life in Brightleaf. This is hands-down one of the best areas to live in Durham, NC.
Woodcroft
The Woodcroft neighborhood has homes ranging from 850 to 3,700 square feet and caters to families of all sizes. It offers a beautiful natural environment set among the Piedmont woodlands with six miles of hiking and biking trails. It’s conveniently located in the heart of the Triangle, giving families access to shopping, dining, attractions, and more.
Families have the option to choose which type of school they prefer their children attend in the area. Durham Public Schools offers traditional-calendar, year-round, Montessori, and magnet schools. The Raleigh-Durham International Airport is only a 20-minute drive from Woodcroft, too which makes trips to the airport a breeze.
Forest Hills
Forest Hills was developed in the mid-1920s and today is recognized for its large homes on streets lined with Oak trees. Home prices are higher here than in some other family-friendly neighborhoods but it offers a walkable neighborhood and friendly community.
This is also one of the best neighborhoods in Durham, NC for families because it is close to some of the top local restaurants in Durham. Families can enjoy a Friday night out getting dinner together then hit the movie theater for the newest flick.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of neighborhoods for families in Durham. Now let’s take a look at the neighborhoods that active adults will love.
Best Neighborhoods in Durham, NC for Active Adults
Durham, North Carolina is not just an ideal place for families to settle down, it’s a great spot for active adults as well. Here are a couple of the best neighborhoods in Durham, NC for active adults.
Carolina Arbors
Carolina Arbors is an active 55+ Del Webb community that provides residents with easy access to shopping, fine dining, golfing, world-class entertainment, and medical facilities. The community offers a relaxed environment with plenty of opportunities to stay active. It has a 34,000 square foot clubhouse that features miles of walking trails, tennis courts, bocce ball, a community garden, gathering spaces, and more.
The residents in Carolina Arbors enjoy a full calendar of social activities planned by the social activities director. There are movie nights, bowling games, a gardening club, and much more for residents to participate in.
Treyburn Country Club
The Treyburn Country Club is ranked as one of the best residential golf courses in the country. Active adults enjoy living in a pristine neighborhood filled with amenities such as a brand new Wellness Center, gourmet meals, an aquatics center, and event spaces.
This lakeside community is nestled in the Uwharrie National Forest foothills and offers stunning views year-round. This neighborhood is truly a place to kick back and relax.
Work With Oak Springs Realty in Durham, NC
If you are looking for real estate in Durham, Oak Springs Realty can help you find the right property for your lifestyle. I’m Lily Yu, a professional Realtor® in the Triangle area with experience as a Real Estate Investor. I will use my negotiation skills and industry knowledge to ensure you have the best home buying experience.
Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or are just relocating, I want to work with you! Come experience all that Durham, NC has to offer and find your new home. Schedule a free consultation with me today to talk about your real estate needs.